The Straight-Up Solar Guide
No jargon. No sales pitch. Everything you need to understand solar energy and decide if it’s right for you, written by people who install it every day.
What Does Solar Actually Cost in 2025?
Australian solar prices have dropped 80% over the last decade and have largely stabilised. What you pay now reflects real equipment and installation costs — not a bubble. Here’s what to expect at each level.
Entry Level
Starter
6.6kW system — 16–20 panels
$9,000–$16,000
Before STC rebate (typically reduces by $1,500–$2,500)
- Covers daytime loads for most homes
- Generates ~26–30kWh on a good day
- String or hybrid inverter
- Best suited: small homes, singles/couples
- Most Popular
Standard
Family System
10kW system — 24–28 panels
$9,000–$12,000
Before STC rebate (typically reduces by $2,500–$4,000)
- Covers most family home needs
- Generates ~38–45kWh on a good day
- Hybrid inverter recommended
- Battery-ready for future upgrade
Premium
High Output
13kW+ system — 30+ panels
$13,000–$19,000
Before STC rebate (typically reduces by $4,000–$6,000+)
- Large homes, EV charging, pools
- Generates 50–65kWh on a good day
- Designed for near-zero grid import
- Pairs with 20kWh+ battery storage
Optional Add-Ons
Commonly added at installation
$8k–$16k
Battery storage (10–20kWh). Exact cost depends on chemistry, brand and capacity. Prices are falling — Zoom will quote based on your specific needs.
$1,200–$3,500
EV charger installation (AC). Installing alongside solar is considerably cheaper than retrofitting. Level 2 home charging gives roughly 25–30km of range per hour of charge.
$0 upfront
Via Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for eligible commercial properties. You pay for the power, not the system. See our PPA page to check eligibility.
Don't buy on price alone. A poorly designed 10kW system will underperform a well-installed 6.6kW system every time. The difference is almost never visible in the quote — it shows up in your bills over the next decade. What matters: CEC-accredited installers, CEC-approved equipment, and a workmanship warranty in writing.
Pricing Questions
For residential systems: typically 3–6 years after the STC rebate. Commercial sites with high daytime usage often see payback in 2–4 years. The main variables are your electricity tariff, how much you self-consume versus export, and whether you add battery storage. Rising electricity prices (which have averaged 6–8% annually in Australia) accelerate payback every year you wait.
Panel and inverter prices have largely plateaued after years of rapid decline. The STC rebate reduces by one year's worth every January — so waiting costs you rebate value. Every month you delay is a month of bill savings you don't collect. The "wait for it to get cheaper" logic made sense in 2015. It doesn't in 2025.
Yes — several green loan products are available through major lenders at competitive rates, specifically for solar and battery systems. Some offer interest-free periods. In many cases, the monthly repayment is less than the monthly bill reduction, meaning the system is cash-positive from day one. Ask Zoom about current options at time of quoting.
Cheap quotes typically use Tier 2 or Tier 3 panels (lower efficiency, shorter warranties), budget inverters without quality local support, and cut corners on racking, cabling, and switchboard protection. These systems often underperform within 3–5 years and are harder to get warranty support for. Insist on: full specification sheet, CEC installer accreditation number, and a written workmanship warranty of at least 5 years.
The Straight-Up Solar Guide
No obligation. Our local experts will visit your home, assess your energy usage, and deliver a tailored proposal , completely free.
